3 Fights That Could Steal The Show At ONE 168: Denver
ONE 168: Denver is set to deliver a lineup stacked full of incredible martial arts matchups on United States soil this Friday, September 6.
The ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Title headliner between Jonathan Haggerty and Superlek is certain to have all eyes locked on it, but the rest of the evening’s affairs promise plenty of memorable action.
With that said, here are three fights that could steal the show at Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado.
#1 Liam Harrison Vs. Seksan
A 140-pound catchweight Muay Thai dream match will take place when British icon Liam “Hitman” Harrison meets Thai legend Seksan “The Man Who Yields To No One” Or Kwanmuang in a bout that’s expected to be a firefight for as long as it lasts.
ONE 168: Denver marks Harrison’s long-awaited return to action. The former ONE World Title challenger hasn’t competed since 2022 when his knee was torn apart by former bantamweight Muay Thai king Nong-O Hama.
And after his originally scheduled comeback fight was postponed at ONE 167 in June, you can bet the Englishman is itching to feel the canvas under his feet and the lights on his back.
On the other side, Seksan will look to ruin his fellow veteran’s return by getting back in the win column in devastating fashion.
The biggest star to emerge from ONE Friday Fights in 2023, the Thai won his first eight battles in the organization before suffering his lone defeat, using his relentless pressure to drown opponents and earn a six-figure contract with the global roster.
Both Seksan and Harrison are multiple-time Muay Thai World Champions who love nothing more than standing and trading punches inside the pocket, so fans should not blink once the first bell rings.
#2 John Lineker Vs. Asa Ten Pow
Another Muay Thai extravaganza will take place when former ONE Bantamweight MMA World Champion John “Hands of Stone” Lineker debuts in the sport against American striking specialist Asa “The American Ninja” Ten Pow.
Lineker has long been renowned for his punching power. The Brazilian superstar owns 18 knockouts in 37 career MMA victories, including his World Title-winning performance against Bibiano Fernandes in 2022.
In this next chapter, “Hands of Stone” won’t have to worry about anything other than throwing strikes, and that’s a dangerous prospect for any combatant willing to stand before him.
However, Ten Pow is plenty dangerous himself and will enter ONE 168: Denver following two consecutive stoppage victories.
“The American Ninja” earned a TKO against Han Zi Hao before starching Rambolek Chor Ajalaboon with a head kick last September.
The 34-year-old now hopes to make it three wins in a row and earn the biggest result of his career by finishing Lineker on home soil.
#3 Sean Climaco Vs. Johan Estupinan
Another blink-and-you’ll-miss-it encounter is a flyweight Muay Thai matchup between knockout artists Sean “The One” Climaco and Johan “Panda Kick” Estupinan.
Climaco knocked out Josue Cruz in the first round of his ONE debut, immediately establishing himself as a name to watch in the division. He hopes another memorable showing on the biggest stage will propel him into the upper echelon.
For his part, Estupinan wasted no time after arriving in ONE, scoring a 27-second knockout of Kouta Omori in his debut this past May.
The 21-year-old phenom then outstruck veteran Zafer Sayik for a decision victory in June, improving to 24-0 in his professional career.
“Panda Kick” certainly appears destined for stardom, but Climaco will be looking to steal that hype in this thrilling battle of finishers.
